Richard Austin was a talented allrounder - a batsman who could bowl either medium pace or offspin as the situation demanded. He broke through into the West Indies side in 1977-78 - scoring 22 runs at 11.00 in the first two Tests - at the same time he signed for World Series Cricket. He was dropped for the third Test, along with some other rebels, prompting the walkout of the remaining Packer contractees. His form was not affected by the furore and he ended the domestic season at the top of the national batting averages. He was only ever on the periphery of World Series, and after the settlement he never was in serious consideration for an international recall. Disenchanted, in 1982-83 he signed to take part in the rebel tour of South Africa and was subsequently banned for life. Thereafter his life fell apart and he became a homeless drugs addict. He briefly kicked the habit in the late 1990s, returning to coaching his local club, but soon returned to the streets. He was also a good enough footballer to play for Jamaica.
Martin Williamson

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